Atletico Difficult To Beat Dortmund, Antoine Griezmann: The Important Thing Is Winning

Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann. (X/@Atleti)

JAKARTA - Atletico Madrid had difficulties and had to work hard before winning 2-1 over Borussia Dortmund in the first match of the Champions League quarter-finals. Striker Antoine Griezmann did not question Atletico's narrow victory.

Atletico made a good start in the duel at home at the Civitas Metropolitano Stadium, Thursday, April 11, 2024 in the morning WIB.

Atletico took control of the first half of the game and scored twice through Rodrigo De Paul and Samuel Lino who received assists from Antoine Griezmann.

But the situation changed in the second half. Dortmund managed to get up and develop the game. Only this German Bundesliga club could only score a goal towards the end of the match. Sebastien Haller's goal was scored in the 81st minute.

Dortmund, in fact, almost added goals. However, Haller's two shots still hit the post. Atletico also had to work hard to maintain a 2-1 lead until the end of the match.

The victory does not guarantee Atletico qualify for the semifinals. The reason is that there is still a second match to be held at Dortmund's home at Signal Iduna Park Stadium, Wednesday, April 17, 2024 in the morning WIB. Dortmund had to win the match if they wanted to get rid of Atletico.

If the score is 1-0 or 2-1 for Dortmund, the match will continue extra time. If there is no goal in extra time, the match will be finished on penalties.

On the other hand, Atletico only needed a draw to qualify for the semifinals for the first time in seven years.

Despite a narrow win, Griezmann did not question the result. According to him, the result is at least an important capital for Los Colchoneros to finish the second match.

"We won, that's the most important thing," Griezmann said. "How was the end of the game, it wasn't important. It's just that, it's a shame if we finally conceded," he said again.

"We actually had a chance to score a third goal. Still, we had difficulties in the second half. he said.

Griezmann is optimistic that Atletico will maintain their lead in the second match. "We hope that in the match there we can win the game. We know the level we have to achieve. And we have shown it on the pitch," Griezmann said.

Meanwhile, Dortmund coach Edin Terzic stated that the team's chances were still open. According to him, the team already knows what to do in the second match.

"The opportunity is still open. We also already know what to do at home matches," said Terzic.